The three of them began to explore the mountain range, stopping and going along the way, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Initially, there were only three, but the number gradually increased, with Yun Yun and Ya Fei even joining in. It turned into a family picnic, filling the mountain range with laughter and joy.
They played for three days straight, essentially covering the entire mountain range. During this time, under Xiao Tian's persistent persuasion and thick-skinned offensive, Xiao Tian also engaged in "outdoor body tempering technical exchanges" with them—excluding Yun Yun and Ya Fei, of course—one by one.
As for the details, there's no need to elaborate. You're all experienced drivers; you can imagine the enjoyment for yourselves.
Throughout this period, many magical beasts became their food. Eventually, the more intelligent, higher-tier magical beasts hid themselves, fearing an encounter with this group of fiends.
Afterward, led by Xiao Yi Xian, they flew at high speed, taking half a day to arrive outside Maple City.
Looking at the city before him, which was even larger and more prosperous than Heaven Punishing Divine City, Xiao Tian couldn't help but exclaim that it truly lived up to its reputation as the central city of the Black-Corner Region.
"Xian'er, are you really not going to consider it?" Xiao Tian asked Xiao Yi Xian, feigning a pitiful expression.
"Impossible. Don't even think about it. Go find the others." Xiao Yi Xian directly and firmly rejected Xiao Tian's request, her tone resolute.
After leaving Xiao Tian at the gate of Maple City, she entered the Heaven Punishing Divine Realm to accompany Yun Yun and Ya Fei. Both of them could give birth at any moment, and the other sisters were constantly by their side.
Another reason she slipped away was that during their flight, Xiao Tian had become even more shameless, constantly taking liberties with her and even wanting to "exchange skills" in mid-air, which she quickly refused.
She already felt it was outrageous that she had agreed to Xiao Tian in the mountain range, and although the feeling was indeed very stimulating, how could she possibly agree now? Definitely not at the moment.
Watching Xiao Yi Xian disappear, Xiao Tian chuckled softly. Although her refusal was firm, he believed that with a little more persistence, it shouldn't be a problem.
He patted the dust from his clothes, and with a flash, he bypassed the crowd and entered Maple City. With his strength, why would he bother with the gate? Impossible.
Along the way, Xiao Tian randomly selected a "lucky" individual and learned that the entire Maple City had already been taken over by Heaven Punishing Divine Palace.
Many factions had wanted a piece of the pie, but in the end, they were all massacred by Heaven Punishing Divine Palace, left crying for their parents. On that day, Maple City was like a sky covered in dark clouds, filled with the scent of blood everywhere.
Xiao Tian sensed the location of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace's personnel, then his body moved like a ghost toward that direction.
The "lucky" individual watched the departing Xiao Tian, his legs trembling as he said, "Damn, that was terrifying. But it feels good to be alive."
"Who peed my pants? Now I have to change them."
—
At this moment, Hai Bodong, as the Great Elder of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace, was buried in work at his desk, handling various affairs of Maple City. Old Hai was quite happy now; his life had once been like walking on thin ice, but now he wielded immense power. This was the joy of a successful angel investor.
"Old Hai, you seem to be in a very good mood."
Xiao Tian's voice appeared in the study, and then he materialized directly in the chair opposite Hai Bodong.
Upon hearing Xiao Tian's voice and seeing him, Hai Bodong instinctively stood up, a respectful expression on his face, his hands unconsciously preparing to bow.
"Old Hai, given our friendship, there's no need for such formalities."
Xiao Tian pressed his hand in the air, and an invisible force spread out, directly interrupting Hai Bodong's raised gesture. He could only helplessly sit back down in his chair.
Not to mention that Hai Bodong was the first person to follow him, but even now, Heaven Punishing Divine Palace was primarily managed jointly by Hai Bodong and Xiao Ding, which was why everything ran so smoothly. The two complemented each other perfectly: Hai Bodong was steady and experienced, while Xiao Ding was young and intelligent. Both were very decisive individuals, and the current scale of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace was considerable.
Most importantly, Xiao Tian didn't want to become a solitary figure, losing his friends just because he was in a high position. Although he could have many confidantes, reaching the pinnacle without friends to drink and have fun with would be far too dull.
"How was the conquest of Maple City? Did it go smoothly?"
Xiao Tian picked up the tea that Hai Bodong had poured for him, took a sip, and asked.
"At first, many people indeed wanted a piece of this cake, but under our military deterrence, they have all become very obedient and cooperative." Hai Bodong chuckled lightly, sighing inwardly. This was the suppression of absolute power; otherwise, taking the city wouldn't have been so easy. Then he remembered something. "Oh, right. We captured three leaders of first-rate gangs who had taken advantage of the chaos to establish themselves in Maple City. They are all Dou Huang realm experts. Would you like to see them?"
In the Black-Corner Region, only gangs with Dou Huang experts could be called first-rate forces, while those with only Dou Wangs were second-rate.
"Hmm? Which three?" Xiao Tian heard about three Dou Huangs coming to Maple City and wondered if they were the three from the original story.
"Heavenly Yin Sect, Rakshasa Gate, and Mad Lion Gang."
Hearing Hai Bodong's words, he instantly confirmed it was that trio. These three forces were also the ones closest to Maple City, positioned at its corners along with Jia Nan Academy.
"Take me to see them. They might be useful to us."
Xiao Tian was still quite interested in the three of them. They were decent talents—very good at seizing opportunities.
"Then, Palace Master, please follow me." Hai Bodong stood up and led Xiao Tian out.
Under Hai Bodong's guidance, they arrived at a room guarded by several elders. Even Old Mo was there.
Xiao Tian nodded at Old Mo, then walked inside.
Within the room, three people with pale faces sat constantly sighing. Their Dou Qi had all been sealed. They were a voluptuous beautiful woman, a middle-aged burly man, and a sinister old man. Seeing the three gathered together, Xiao Tian found it a bit amusing—like some Hum-Ha combination.
When the door opened and a handsome young man walked in, all three immediately stood up.
The sinister old man—the Sect Master of the Heavenly Yin Sect, Old Yin Bone, a Five-Star Dou Huang—scrutinized Xiao Tian as he entered. He had been captured for so long, and the person appearing now might be the one truly in charge. Moreover, the man who had given orders earlier was standing a step behind this youth. He spoke in a hoarse voice, "May I ask who this esteemed guest is?"
The middle-aged burly man and the voluptuous beautiful woman also continuously sized up Xiao Tian. The beautiful woman even brightened when she saw Xiao Tian's immortal-like appearance, looking as if she was about to drool.
The burly man was Tie Wu, leader of the Mad Lion Gang, a Four-Star Dou Huang. The beautiful woman was Su Mei, leader of the Rakshasa Gate, also a Four-Star Dou Huang.
"You can call me Palace Master Xiao," Xiao Tian said indifferently, sitting directly in the chair before them.
Upon hearing Xiao Tian's words, the three instantly looked surprised, their expressions freezing.
But before they could fully process their astonishment, they heard Xiao Tian's next sentence, and their entire demeanor changed for the worse.